WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants - travolekar.ru

<strong>WHO</strong> <strong>monographs</strong> on selected medicinal plants
Total ash
Not more than 7.5% (2, 3).
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 0.5% (2).
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 12% (10).
Alcohol -soluble extractive
Not less than 14% (1).
Loss on drying
Not more than 9% (2, 4).
Pesticide residues
The recommended maximum limit of aldrin and dieldrin is not more
than 0.05 mg/kg (11). For other pesticides, see the European pharmacopoeia
(11) and the <strong>WHO</strong> guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines
with reference to contaminants and residues (9) and pesticide
residues (12).
Heavy metals
For maximum limits and analysis of heavy metals, consult the <strong>WHO</strong>
guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with reference to contaminants
and residues (9).
Radioactive residues
Where applicable, consult the <strong>WHO</strong> guidelines for assessing quality of
herbal medicines with reference to contaminants and residues (9).
Chemical assay
Not less than 1.2% berberine by high-performance liquid chromatography
(2, 3).
Major chemical constituents
The major constituents are isoquinoline alkaloids, principally berberine
(up to 4.75%). Other major alkaloids include magnoflorine (up to 1.1%),
palmatine (up to 1.2%), jatrorrhizine (0.5%), as well as phellodendrine
and candicine (5, 13, 14). Structures of berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine,
magnoflorine and phellodendrine are presented below.
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